Oakland Raiders (4-12)
Yet another down season in Oakland, but rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell gives hope for 2008.
2007 Summary:
Ever since their Super Bowl trip in 2002, the Oakland Raiders have been bottom feeders of the league. Their 2006 campaign was pitiful. Ranked 32nd on offense, the Raiders needed some hope threw the draft. Luckily, they had the number one choice, and were able to spend it on LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Able to throw the ball 75 yards on his knees, Russel would fit the perfect resume Al Davis has fallen in love with over the years. He would finally have someone who could complete the deep ball they live by. A rookie quarterback wouldn't solve all of their problems. If the Raiders wanted to shake the label of "embarrassment" off their jerseys, they'd need a rocket arm.
This season would be a stepping stone in returning back to glory. Russell would barely play, instead sitting behind Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown until the time was right. The season would start off fine, going .500 in their first four games. They would actually be leading the AFC West. Then things would return to normal, as Oakland lost ten of their next twelve to finish the season.The offense would improve jumping to 23rd in points scored (283), but the defense after finishing 18th in points allowed in 2006, would take a step back finishing 26th (398).
Next season may be another stepping stone, but things look brighter. If they're smart Russell will be the man next season. He will hit some road blocks, but he should be able to add a spark on offense. The defense added cornerback DeAngelo Hall, which should improve their pass defense by great means. It is slowly happening, but the Oakland Raiders are indeed getting better.
TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:
1.) Left Tackle:
- The left tackle spot has been haunting the Raiders for quite some time. Robert Gallery was a bust, and their soultion seems to be bringing in Kwame Harris. Not a good idea. A real brick wall must be set on the left side of the line.
2.) Defensive End-
- Oakland's only true pass rusher is Derrick Burgess, and he had only eight sacks in 2007. Someone else is needed to pressure the quarterback.
3.) Defensive Tackle
- If they really want to solidify their defense, they'll need a stout defensive tackle to replace the retired Warren Sapp. William Joseph and the highly paid Tommy Kelly won't get it done.
2008 Offseason Moves
Notable additions: CB Duane Starks, C John Wade, DE Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, DE Kalimba Edwards, CB DeAngelo Hall, DT William Joseph, WR Drew Carter, WR Javon Walker, OT Kwama Harris, FS Gibril Wilson.
Notable resignings: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, DT Tommy Kelly, OLB Sam Williams, RB Justin Fargas, FS Hiram Eugene, OT Cornell Green
Notable releases: OT Barry Sims
Notable departures: DE Chris Clemons, QB Josh McCown, WR Jerry Porter, DE Tyler Brayton, CB Chris Carr, QB Daunte Culpepper, C Jeremy Newberry
Grades:
Quarterbacks: C
- Josh McCown and Daunte Culpper are no longer going to get in the way of JaMarcus Russell. The only quarterback to compete with is Andrew Walter. That means it's go time for Oaklands future. If JaMarcus is a bust, this franchise will be set back atleast five seasons.
Runningbacks: C+
- Running back Justin Fargas is a very underrated runner, and was wiseley resigned this off-season. Dominic Rhodes and LaMont Jordan provide great depth.
Wide Receivers: C-
- Javon Walker when healthy is one of the best in the game, but that just hasn't been the case. Ronald Curry and Drew Carter are average wide outs, but no game breakers. The draft has a lot of wide receiver depth, so that should help them out.
Offensive Line: D-
- When Robert Gallery is still playing on your line, there must be problems. Fianlly tackle Barry Sims was cut this off-season, and he was replaced by who? Kwame Harris? He's just as bad. Jake Grove, Cooper Carlisle, and Cornell Green are all average starters.
Tight End: C
- The Raiders big bad tight end Courtney Anderson is off to Buffalo, and now it's time for rookie Zach Miller to step up and earn his second round pick.
Defensive line: C-
Derrick Burgess and Tommy Kelly are solid on the ends, but the middle needs work. Terdell Sands is the only capable starter at tackle.
Linebackers: A
- Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are two young linebackers who will be studs in Oaklands linebacking cores for years to come. Sam Williams was a disappointment on the outside, and an upgrade threw the Draft would be smart. Robert Thomas occupies that spot right now.
Defensive Backs: A
- Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall make up probably the best cornerback tandem in the league. Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, and Chris Johnson make great depth at the position. Safetys Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff with backup Stuart Schweigert are Top 10 material in terms of talent.
Special Teams: C
- Sebastian Janikowski has a huge leg, but his accuracy is still in question. Shane Lechler is one of the leagues best punters. To finish it off, kick returner Chris Carr will be missed this season. Rookie receiver last season Johnnie Lee Higgins takes his spot.
Coaching: C-
- Al Davis and his physcho ways seems to not like head coach Lane Kiffin himself. Hatred within the front office is never a good thing. You can't judge him very well though in his first year.
Draft:
4. Darren McFadden- RB Arkansas
100. Tyvon Branch- CB/KR Connecticut
125. Arman Shields- WR Richmond
169. Trevor Scott- DE Buffalo
226. Chaz Schilens- WR San Diego State
2008 Schedule:
| 1 | Sept. 8 (Mon.) | Denver Broncos | 10:15 p.m. |
| 2 | Sept. 14 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 1 p.m. |
| 3 | Sept. 21 | at Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m. |
| 4 | Sept. 28 | San Diego Chargers | 4:05 p.m. |
| 5 | Oct. 5 | Bye | |
| 6 | Oct. 12 | at New Orleans Saints | 1 p.m. |
| 7 | Oct. 19 | New York Jets | 4:15 p.m. |
| 8 | Oct. 26 | at Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. |
| 9 | Nov. 2 | Atlanta Falcons | 4:15 p.m. |
| 10 | Nov. 9 | Carolina Panthers | 4:05 p.m. |
| 11 | Nov. 16 | at Miami Dolphins | 1 p.m. |
| 12 | Nov. 23 | at Denver Broncos | 4:05 p.m. |
| 13 | Nov. 30 | Kansas City Chiefs | 4:15 p.m. |
| 14 | Dec. 4 (Thurs.) | at San Diego Chargers | 8:15 p.m. |
| 15 | Dec. 14 | New England Patriots | 1:15 p.m. |
| 16 | Dec. 21 | Houston Texans | 4:05 p.m. |
| 17 | Dec. 28 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m. |
Prediction:
For the sixth straight year, the Oakland Raiders will miss the playoffs. However, it will come with good fortune. JaMarcus Russell will make great strides in his second season. In fact, he will win them two or three more games than their "supposed to". The defense will be stellar once again, and the pairing of Hall and Asomugha will turn out to be as good as planned. I've always been a fan of the Raiders defense, and if all goes right and the offense spends more time on the field, they should be Top 10. All together, expect around five or six wins in 2008 from the Raiders.
